Reflections on becoming a Caseworker

I would never have volunteered for this sort of role were it not for the fact that when training to qualify as a counsellor I had a placement in a drop-in centre for homeless people which also offered support for families. It was quite a challenging experience; clients might well have spent the night in a shop doorway, be evidently dependent on drugs and alcohol, and inevitably messed-up by all sorts of relationship difficulties. But meeting them as they were, offering genuine, non-judgemental, accepting listening was good. Finishing the training, retiring from my role as a parish priest, and moving from Guildford to Sidmouth, I was sorry to leave the drop-in centre.

Every such project has its own special story of how it came to be. Gateway’s story suggests to me as a newcomer that its particular call is to have a light but responsive touch. For example, one morning I had a phone message asking if I could meet a client at the Mustard Seed. As it happened I was able to be there within the hour. I then found out for myself that the EDDC outreach team is indeed ever helpful, and positively appreciative of our liaison with them. On behalf of Gateway I had been able to provide the client with a basic phone, offer a sleeping bag and tent, and make that referral for further help. What I did was limited, but meeting some immediate practical needs, and supporting the client in moving forward. In the days ahead I bumped into him and he rang me once or twice. I didn’t do any more, but at least he didn’t feel so alone.

What I am sure about is that Gateway is a very precious resource for Sidmouth and deserves our best support in opening up its way ahead.